Fall in New Hampshire brings cooler nights and shorter days. It’s also the right time to winterize your home before the cold sets in. A few hours spent on maintenance and cleaning now can make the months ahead more comfortable and less stressful.
Start with a Deep Clean 
Begin by tackling the basics. Clean the floors, carpets, and upholstery that have seen heavy summer traffic. Wash your windows so sunlight can brighten your space during the darker months. Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans, then reverse the fan direction to push warm air down.
Take a few minutes in the kitchen too. Wipe down and reseal your stone countertops to protect them from stains and spills during holiday cooking. Rumford Stone carries Granite Gold® cleaners and sealers, which make it simple to care for natural stone and keep the surface protected.
Declutter Before the Holidays
Fall is a natural reset point. Clear expired toiletries and pantry items, recycle old magazines and papers, and donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year. If you have children, pare down toys and books before new ones arrive in December. Less clutter now means less work later.
Organize High-Traffic Areas
Your entryway and mudroom take the hardest hit once the weather turns. Add labeled baskets for hats and gloves, keep only one or two jackets per person near the door, and use a boot tray to keep mud and snow contained. In closets, rotate in your cold-weather clothing and fold heavier sweaters to help them hold their shape.
Store Décor with Care
As the holidays approach, take time to organize and prepare your storage areas before the decorations come out. Clear a spot for bins, check that lids and labels are intact, and set aside space for wreaths and garlands so packing them away later is simple. Getting ahead of it now makes decorating faster and post-holiday cleanup far less chaotic.
Check Off Key Maintenance Tasks 
A few quick projects can prevent problems once temperatures drop. Service your heating system, bleed radiators if needed, and replace filters. Protect exterior woodwork with a quality sealant and clear the gutters before heavy rain or snow arrives. Review your exterior lighting and consider adding a video doorbell for security.
Inside, check your countertops for chips, dull spots, or stains. Scheduling professional sealing or repair now keeps them looking sharp and ready for the holidays.
A Thoughtful Start to the Season
Getting ready for winter isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about taking practical steps that protect your home and help you enjoy the season. At Rumford Stone, we know that small details—like a well-sealed countertop or a clean, organized kitchen—make all the difference when home becomes the place you want to be most. Call us today to begin discussing how to care for or upgrade your stone surfaces.
